Few places in the world do extravagance and glamour at wedding shows than Abu Dhabi and this year’s Bride Show at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre promises to deliver everything that a high end bride could want for her perfect day.

A host of one-of-a-kind prizes will be up for grabs for visitors during the four day fashion event, including a one carat diamond worth AED14,000, a honeymoon to Seoul for three nights, courtesy of Visit Korea, four bridal gift cards worth 1,500dhs from Silkor Laser Medical Centre, a year’s membership to the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club worth 4,500dhs and vouchers from Paris Gallery.

New to The Bride Show Abu Dhabi this year are L’Oreal and Kerastase, coming together to offer women free use of the blow dry bar, giving them ideas for bridal hairstyles and chignons. Furthermore, brides-to-be can find out about their exclusive wedding hair packages, which begin a month before the big day, offering a unique and tailor-made plan for colouring, treatments, cuts and products.

A collection of Italian jewellery designers are travelling from Europe to showcase the latest in sparkling gems and gold for the first time at The Bride Show Abu Dhabi. Roberto Casarin SRL, Fabio Fanfani, Bruno Aristi, Maggio Teresa & Damianacos Damiano, IMVIDIA and Clio Pro Jewellery will be bringing thousands of dirhams of diamonds to Abu Dhabi, ideal for engagement rings and wedding bands.

Doors open at 2:30pm on Wednesday 10 February and the event is open until 10:30pm every night until Saturday 13 February. Thursday 11 February is reserved for ladies only and children under 12 are not permitted. Entry fee is 10dhs.

The Bride Show Abu Dhabi will be the first must-attend event for brides-to-be and fashion lovers in 2010, and will be followed by The Bride Show Dubai from 7 to 10 April 2010 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

This fantastic fashion filled festival is not just great for getting inspiration for your wedding day. Look past those short few hours to the honeymoon: What are you packing in your case? If your holiday wardrobe is more shabby than chic, take a look at these Spring Summer collections for great choices to pack no matter where the destination.

Danielle Scutt has a range of adorable suits and swimwear in pretty pastel shades that are perfect for a balmy Meditteranean destination. Wear a two piece skirt suit for trips around the cities, then strip down to a matching swimsuit for the beach. How cute! This lovely swimsuit is a gorgeous pink and white patterned piece. The print is very sixties inspired- something that is slowly creeping in on fashion shows both sides of the Atlantic. The skirted style is also vintage inspired and very pretty. If that wasn’t good enough, the skirt is hugely flattering as it covers the thighs- perfect for hiding imperfections. Plus the interesting strap detail is supportive for busts of all sizes. I’m not sure about the hairdo though- not least because the water would destroy it.

For cooler weather, this Burberry coat will make you shine through the showers. A lovely lilac shade and hinting at the metallics that are massive on the catwalks right now. The big shoulders add a touch of that eighties style that is so popular at the moment, but the ruching gives it a softer feel so you don’t look like an American football player. Meanwhile, the tailored fit flatters all shapes and looks great teamed with a belt, as shown here, to emphasise the waist. The double breasted buttons give a traditional touch, making this a classic coat with a modern twist; Details such as the buckles at the wrists add interest in subtle ways. The ideal way to look stylish no matter the weather.

If you’re after a honeymoon with lots of activity involved- touring the sights, hitting the shops or sailing the rivers- this stunning look by Margaret Howell is just right. Featuring those pastel shades that are all over the catwalks, as seen already, this outfit is feminine but with a decidedly masculine touch. The pinstriped shirt is shown here as a slouchy style- great on slender brides- but can also be worn fitted for a sleek, tailored look. The high waisted, loose trousered cream trousers are flattering on slim and large thighs alike, and have an utterly cool look about them that would look great whilst you work your way around the sights.

With so many fantastic outfits to mix and match, you’re bound to find something that is perfect for your honeymoon. Whether that’s relaxing in the Seychelles, white water rafting in Canada or jetting off to the moon… well, perhaps not that last one. Still, there are hundreds of beautiful outfits from so many designers, it’s simply mind boggling. By now you should have your whole outfit sorted- from your wedding day to your honeymoon and all the outfits in between.

It’s not just all for the girls you know. There are also some collections with great menswear to create brilliant inspiration for your groom, or maybe his groomsmen. If you’d rather have a dapper, stylish groom waiting at the altar for you then take a look at some of the collections and gently guide him towards the styles you like best. Or, if he’s not the subtle kind, wave the pictures in his face shouting “Wear this!”. Not that you’re controlling or anything, of course.

The above Paul Costelloe design is possibly my favourite in the whole of the week’s collections. The striped jacket is very smart and unique so is ideal for the groom with individuality. The white skinny jeans add an informal, indie look that is great for an uber chic wedding in the city. Team with a smart shirt to add a formal touch to this laid back outfit. A stylish and sexy look for that groom who fancies something alternative.

If you’d rather your groom looked more formal, but would like a modern, fashionable twist, take a look at this suit from Christopher Kane. A jet black shade is great for making an impact with a dramatic look, and the overall style is very clean cut and tailored. The crisp white shirt creates a fantastic contrast against the darkness of the suit whilst the jacket is a sharp, smart style flattering for all grooms. The skinny trousers are perfect for rocker grooms who don’t want to compromise their alternative look on their wedding day. I’m not sure about those gladiator sandals though- best check your wardrobe to make sure your pair isn’t missing!

No matter what your groom’s style, he is sure to find something that he’ll love to wear on the biggest day of his life. Many grooms start to panic about what to wear as it gets overshadowed by the bride’s frantic dress hunt. If you start thinking of him and suggest outfits that he would love, he will be forever grateful. Or he will just think you’re fond of over planning.

Time to continue with our exploration of this year’s top creations from London Fashion Week and how to incorporate the most fashionable and most gorgeous outfits from the catwalks into your wedding day plans. Today we’ll be turning our attention to your beautiful bridesmaids. They need to look stunning and stylish, but without outshining the most important person of the day- you, the bride.

Although the catwalks are filled with neutral shades, there are many lovely dresses with dashes of bright neon colours that are ideal for bridesmaids during a summer wedding. Short skirts are hugely fashionable and can work brilliantly for bridesmaid gowns if your maids can carry it off. Just as long as all eyes are on you and not their pins! Hey, you could always wear a shorter dress yourself!

Matthew Williamson’s stunning purple gown is perfect for dressing up your bridesmaids for a floral themed wedding. The strapless style is hugely fashionable and the ruched body conscious style bodice is a great way of incorporating this season’s body con styles into more formal occasion wear. The over sized bow at the hip is a great detail that is very in right now, on both bridal and fashion catwalks. The asymmetrical waistband sloping low down on the hips creates a style similar to a fishtail gown- vintage inspired and very feminine. The skirt itself is floaty and feminine so absolutely perfect for a summer celebration.

This dramatic dress by Mary Kantrantzou is a work of art and features the ruffles that are huge this season. It creates a great focal point, ideal for showing off slender shoulders and the strapless style lets this ruffle stand alone in all its glory. The fit is not too tight, and instead skims the body so is ideal for bridesmaids with a more curvy figure. Slinky satin fabric gives this gorgeous gown a sophisticated and elegant touch whereas the rich shades look fantastic on tanned skin. This dress is a real beauty and would be an absolute treat for your bridesmaids to wear.

Finally, I’ll round off with this fun design. Against all my better judgement, I actually love this Flinstones inspired dress from Jeremy Scott. The rest of the collection is quite something, so do check it out if fun, light hearted dresses are your thing. If you are planning a novelty wedding, perhaps a fancy dress theme, this is the perfect dress for your girls. The bold green colour will certainly stand out and the shape of the dress, with the tapered bodice and tulip skirt, is still flattering and stylish in spite of the silly design. My favourite part of this dress is the dramatic feathered shoulders. As if the dress wasn’t bold enough already, this will really do the trick.

Whether you’re looking for a feminine floating number, a highly stylish structure design or a wacky novelty dress, there is inspiration for you somewhere amongst the collections strolling up and down these catwalks. Take a look- you’ll be surprised at what you can find.

Ah yes, London Fashion Week. Home to the extravagant, the wild and the just plain bonkers. Look carefully between the crazy catwalk concoctions however and you can find some real gems. Fashionista brides who are unsure of what they are looking for should turn to London’s very own showcase of the hottest fashion designers for the very best inspiration. If this sounds like you, keep your eyes on Wedding Fashion Files this week as I’ll be bringing you my favourites not just for bridal wear but also bridesmaids, honeymoon wear and even inspiration for your groom.

This year has been just as wacky and wonderful as previous years. Muted colours are key with the odd dash of colour for those who fancy being a little more daring. Super short skirts, cut out detailing and over sized slouchy jackets are also key trends that will be filling the high street shops to burst come spring.

I’m going to rather predictably start with the bridal dresses. These three dresses stood out as fantastic designs that would wow guests and make any woman wearing it look, and feel, wonderful.

The dress pictured above is designed by the ever brilliant Jenny Packham. A dramatically feminine gown, this floaty and romantic style is just perfect for brides who want a princess wedding. The sheer overlay of the bodice gives this dress a dream- like effect and the ruffles at the shoulder are great for the fashion conscious among you. The strapless bodice underneath gives the effect of a super stylish strapless number but with support that is rarely achieved from them. The sash ribbons adds structure to the dress and gives the illusion of a smaller waist, whilst the sparkling sequined hips gives a touch of bling. These sequins fan over the skirt, gradually spreading out in shining scatterings. The skirt itself is a beautiful ethereal style with layers upon layers of tulle in a gentle A-line shape. Perfectly flattering for all brides.

For the bride who wants something bang on trend, this Jasper Conran style is ideal. A fantastic dress for looking chic and sophisticated at an informal wedding. The tapered bodice creates a lovely tailored silhouette to flatter all figures- ideal for emphasising hourglass shapes and creating curves to more willowy frames. The skirt flares out at the hips to define this curvaceous shape, whether faked or flaunted, and tapers to create the effect of slimmer thighs. The short length of this dress makes it brilliant for younger brides, or just those with fantastically toned legs. However, the real statement of this dress is the cut out detailing of the neckline. These cut outs are all over the catwalks, so if you want your fashionable style to shine through, this is the choice for you. The shape of this cut out creates a form similar to that of a butterfly- a gorgeous little touch.

If you want to make a real statement that will have people talking for years to come, this John Rocha creation is just right. Ruffles are very in this season, so why not go wild with this ultra ruffly, super dramatic dress. The bold neckline is dramatic and would keep any bride snug on a chilly wedding day. Extending right down to the hips, these ruffles are certainly not for the faint hearted. The cute flouncy mini skirt adds a more simple, girly touch to the dress to stop it looking too overpowering and gives huge freedom of movement. This dress is best carried off by tall slim brides who will not be overpowered or bulked out by the textured effect. If you do decide to go for this dress, keep the rest of the wedding simple so that this is the statement, the masterpiece if you will, of the whole day.

There are so many gorgeous dresses that I found it hard to choose just three. With inspiration galore, whether you want to buy from the designer or simply get an idea of the styles you like, London Fashion Week is the one event for that. If you only check out one event all year, make it this one.

Yes, it’s that time of the year again. The world’s top fashion designers showcase their works on the most publicised catwalks ever for four consecutive weeks in four different fashion capitals. This week is the turn of London Fashion Week, but to wet your appetite I bring you this recap of some of the highlights from last week’s American counterpart. Not just for the local designers, many of our very own European fashion designers headed across the pond to display their gorgeous creations. These are just some of my favourites.

Bridal Style
There were many dresses on the catwalks that, although not strictly wedding gowns, would look sensational as you walk down the aisle. The above design by Venetian designer Venexiana is one such example. A stunning gold colour, with a dramatic v-neck and that highly desirable oversized bow, this dress is perfect for brides who want to make an impression. The black detailing, including a very interesting pinstripe pattern, adds a striking contrast and the structured shape to the skirt is super dramatic. You can be sure your guests won’t be forgetting you in a hurry!

Or, for a more simple style, how about this shorter hemmed dress by French label Max Azria? The loose fit would look great on slim brides, and the asymmetry in the hem and one-shoulder is hugely fashionable for bridal fashion right now. The delicate shoulder detailing adds a gorgeous Pop Art effect. This dress is just perfect for a stylish city wedding.

Bridesmaids
As for your attendants, this dress by Leifsdottir is just sensational. A 1940s feel with a huge dollop of 21st century, this dress is just perfect for fashionable vintage inspired weddings. The bold red shade is stunning on most complexions and would look great next to a crisp white dress. This bold colour is an especially good choice for a summer wedding as the light reflects wonderfully off such a bright shade. Polkadots are still very popular, and these large irregular spots add a twist on this classic design. The puff sleeves and deep v- neck give this adorable dress a slightly naughty twist and make use of the eighties inspired theme that is huge right now.

Groom
Of course, your groom has to look (almost) as hot as you! With the bridesmaids and yourself stood at the altar in up to the minute, super high fashion outfits, your dearly beloved can’t be wearing any old thing. This outfit from Lacoste is perfect for informal weddings. The black trousers add a touch of formality, but the pinstriped polo shirt have a laid- back effect. This polo shirt is the ideal choice for the groom who is panikcing about wearing a formal suit, or would just prefer a sportier look to his wedding suit. Team with a smart fitted blazer to complete this outfit. It will add a touch of formality to make this casual outfit more suited to a wedding. It can then be removed after the ceremony for a super stylish outfit to wear at the reception.

Honeymoon
Don’t forget the honeymoon! It’s no use looking fabulous on your wedding day, only to pull out your scruffy old sarong when you get on the beach. Eighties- inspired style was especially popular on the catwalks this season, and the pattern on this dress certainly has more than a touch of the eighties about it. This lightweight dress by English designer Charlotte Ronson is ideal for chilling on the beach. Not too stifling or stuffy, but enough to keep you covered when the sun dips beyond the horizon, this dress is so versatile and looks sensational. Perfect for slipping over your swimsuit. Speaking of which…

For dipping in to the sea, you will need a swimsuit that is just as hot as the sand beneath your feet. Custo Barcelona have designed this stunning strapless swimsuit with stylish cut out panels at either side. The bright colours are a great choice for the beach, and the trim below the bust is a gorgeous detail. Just don’t forget to lather yourself in suncream- this swimsuit could make for some very interesting tan lines!

You must be champing at the bit to see all the fantastic designs from London Fashion Week now. Just a little more patience and I will bring you all the most beautiful, most gorgeous and most stylish designs from the week so you can make that aisle your very own catwalk!

Copenhagen Fashion Week took place on August 2-9 this year. If you haven’t heard about it, it is a week organised by the Danish Fashion Institute for the purpose of helping to promote Danish fashion.

The week attracts more than 50,000 buyers, designers and members of the fashion press each year, and this year was another big hit.  The weekend was a fashion and style extravaganza comprised of fashion shows, exhibitions, concerts, as well as exclusive parties and designer sales… all the things that make us at Wedding Fashion Files drool!

Some of the highlights included Marc by Marc Jacobs, a fashion photography exhibition by acclaimed photographer Morten Bjarnhof, as well as a chance to win trip a to the fashion hub of the world {Paris, bien sur}, and free makeovers from The Body Shop and ILLUM Cosmetics. Pretty sweet!

A shopcrawl was also organized, sending hordes of hungry fashionistas through the streets of Denmark to boutiques and high street names alike, snapping up special bargains at sample sales and promotional events.

There was also an exclusive fashion exhibition with designs by Designskolen Kolding MA fashion design graduate Christel Thue Høgsted and Royal College of Art MA fashion design student Maria Kamper.  Entry to this exhibition was only granted to 300 people who recieved special keys.  They were then asked to pass the key on to anyone else they thought might like the exhibition, and were permitted to make copies.  This was an expression of sharing the love of fashion amongst friends, and a pretty innovative and sweet touch for what is often considered a cut-throat industry.

Sadly, the week has ended, but what a week it was!

*images*  Emilie Sadria, Danni Niebling

The runway was on fire with glamour in Spain recently with a fashion fiesta of everyone from Rosa Clará to Jesús Peiró.

While traditional strapless wedding dresses made their rounds, flowing white wedding gowns were also all the rage with a few gold stunners in the mix. Floral applique, feathers and ruffles were a big hit as well as jewel tones and pops of unexpected color like the reds and purples seen in Patricia Avendaño’s line.

Check out what made my top three in this season’s big bridal extravaganza!

Rosa Clará: Gorgeous material draped in body slimming gowns graced the runway of designer Rosa Clará. Modern elegance from head to toe in both ball gowns with a floral motif to graceful silhouettes to Grecian styles made me weep with delight. I think all would beautifully compliment the bride who fancies a little something out of the ordinary on her special day.

My favorite in the line is this simply stunning textured strapless gown. A nod to a modern day mermaid and flattering for hourglass figures and modern brides.

Jesús del Pozo: Ruffles made their appearance in Jesús del Pozo’s line and so did silk and draping.

The result? Timeless, romantic pieces that is sure to induce awe by everyone who sees them.  Although it was hard to choose, I finally decided on this gold tinged number perfect for the maid of honor, the bridesmaid or even the bride.

Model Novias: Bright, bold color peppered the dresses of Model Novias. Jewel tones have seen their day in recent fashion trends and now are taking stage with this line of ravishing reds, vibrant violets and bold blues.

I love the lime green of this outfit, with its structured lines, versatile jacket and gorgeous pattern.  Great for Mother of the Bride.

Images © Rafael Arocha, Tommy Pelluz,  via Vogue España

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The Paris Couture Fashion Week hit the runways this month displaying the 2010 collections from some of the top designers in the world. Forever showcasing the designer’s ideas, fashion on the runway is portrayed as an inspiration of dreams and a wedding dress traditionally closes a designer’s show.

The identity of each designer lights up during these types of couture catwalk shows.

Of course, what is shown on the runways has its limits to the average wearer.  So why should the Paris Couture Fashion Week be of interest for real brides-to-be?

Beyond the imagination and fantasy of these couture gowns, you should notice hints of the cutting edge modern looks for brides.

The madcap bridal looks to hit the runway for 2010 would most likely be styles you probably would never consider, but mulling over a collection at any couture show is similar to viewing an abstract painting at a museum. You can look at the innovative and outrageous creation and then after examining the details, you begin to pinpoint elements that begin to grow on you.

For any future bride, a couture show is a learning experience. It may be significant to visualize removing a part of one garment and perhaps adding it to another design you have in mind.

Be drawn towards the collection and look at each bridal dress with an open mind. Try to imagine what segments can be incorporated for a stylish wedding dress that works for you.

Paris Couture Fashion Week 2009

This year the bridal dresses were full of references towards the silhouette.

Chanel

Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel gave the bride a diplomatic compromise. The short mini had an attached panel that became an exaggerated long train cascading to the floor. The bridal dress was filled with rows of inch wide ruffles from the shoulders to hem with a tight fitting bodice complementing the short, poufy skirt. The slightly padded shoulders and boat neckline definitely had a little girl look influence.

Christophe Josse

The designer known as Christophe Josse presented his version of the wedding gown with an exaggerated collar reminiscence of the early Elizabethan era. But that is where that era ended and a new century began. The all-embracing body hugger was sheer and the intimate focal points are protected by embroidered leaves.

Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix has always been known for his signature designs of pure femininity. His bridal gown was no exception and emerged as a Russian Orthodox Christian religious icon. Overflowing with rhinestones and tone-on-tone embroidery, this is the gown that any Russian Tsarina would fall in love and want to get married in.

Givenchy

Designer Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy seemed preoccupied with Arabian Nights and Ali Baba including his finale bridal gown. The bodices teemed with interesting metalwork surrounded by yards of flowing chiffon. This perspective of hard and soft can give the bridal industry a whole new look.

Jean Paul Gaultier

A more bizarre bride was never seen, so who else could have dreamed this up but the master of illusion, Jean Paul Gaultier? However, take a closer look at the veil, while lowering the height of the hair; the draping can actually be integrated with a different style of gown for the winter bride.

Many other designers participated in the exciting Paris Couture Fashion Week and all were just as innovative as these five.

Images Credits:  WENN.com, Vogue UK

Rosa Clará’s 2010 wedding gown collection is a blend of contemporary and traditional, just skirting the edge of daring. While many of the dresses feature sharp lines and three-dimensional design elements, there is also a recurring theme of sweet, dainty and classic.

Though many of the dresses play it safe, a few stand out with their homage to the elegant sophistication of a  legendary Grecian goddess.  Here are my favourite picks:

This gown bridges the elegant, sweet design of a classic strapless wedding gown with that of a modern play on the look of the Grecian dress. Its simple upper bodice with light ruching gives the dress its classic feel. However, it’s the studded sash that dances just above the hip that gives it a true flare, making it one of the more memorable gowns of the collection.

There is a common thread, literally, among Rosa Clará’s newest line. Several of the gowns in the collection featur fringe accents, giving each a liquid flow. With each swish and movement, the addition of the fringe gives each gown more movement than more traditional wedding gowns. This particular gown’s empire waist is accented by long, flowing fringe cascading from the seam.

More elegant and classic, this striking gown invokes images of Helen of Troy with its Grecian styling, a common theme among many of the dresses in the collection. The dress’ plunging neckline nearly meets with a band of jewels, making it one of the more richly layered dresses of the collection.

Not exactly daring, the collection does feature a couple of bolder designs, but overall, sticks to the classic Rosa Clara look that accents the bride’s beauty over superfluous design.